‘Ballerina’ Hits Hard and Lands Gracefully - Review

I’ll admit, when Ballerina was first announced, I was hesitant. Not because I didn’t want more from the John Wick universe, but because I’m such a massive fan of the franchise—and so far, there hasn’t been a single misstep. Each installment has been stylish, tightly paced (even with some extended runtimes), and frankly, better than it had any right to be. So with Ballerina following the absolute banger that was John Wick: Chapter 4, the stakes felt high. This film had to clear two major hurdles: it needed to be well-directed, and above all, it needed to be a ton of fun. So… does it deliver? Let’s dive in.

To start—yes, Ballerina fits nicely into the hyper-violent, neon-lit world of John Wick—and it does so with style, ferocity, and just the right amount of mystery. The mystery isn’t in where the story is going (because if you’re familiar with the Wick timeline, you already have a sense of that), but in what you’re hoping to see next—what new corner of this world will be revealed, what brutal style the next action sequence will bring.

Image courtesy of Lionsgate (2025)

The plot follows Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin, who begins her training in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma and sets out to avenge her father’s death. The plot is that simple—and honestly, that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes simplicity lets the film focus on what really matters: mood, tone, action, and momentum. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, this spinoff doesn’t just rely on the franchise’s name—it earns its place. With slick choreography, sharp pacing, brutal precision, and a magnetic lead performance from Ana de Armas, Ballerina feels like a worthy, if slightly more intimate, addition to the saga.

Ana de Armas fully embraces the role, bringing both vulnerability and vengeance to her assassin character. Her physicality is impressive, her rage palpable, and she more than holds her own in a world ruled by guns, knives, and cryptic codes of conduct. What I appreciated most is how the film doesn’t shy away from addressing the perception of her physical strength. Yes, as a woman, her power might be underestimated—but Ballerina leans into that, showing that strength doesn’t always mean brute force. As Eve trains and begins to understand that winning means fighting smart, striking precisely, and doing whatever it takes, her growth becomes clear. That transformation makes her journey all the more rewarding. Watching her navigate this brutal, unforgiving landscape is thrilling—especially once the action kicks into high gear. And make no mistake: Ballerina delivers the goods. From gritty knife fights to explosive shootouts, the set pieces are gorgeously orchestrated chaos, bursting with energy and tension. Oh, and it was also great to see returning performers in the world as well, such as Lance Reddick, Keanu Reeves, and Ian McShane.

Image courtesy of Lionsgate (2025)

Director Len Wiseman leans into the stylized violence the franchise is known for but adds a fresh flavor—more grounded at times, almost operatic in others. The film is gorgeously shot, with icy blues, purples, deep shadows, and slick interiors that feel both familiar and distinct from the mainline Wick entries. The world-building continues subtly, enriching the lore without overexplaining.

If there’s one area where Ballerina falls short, it’s in the villain department. The antagonist, while serviceable, never quite leaves a lasting impression. He’s there, he serves his purpose, but compared to the likes of Viggo, Santino, or the Marquis from Chapter 4, he feels underwhelming—more of an obstacle than a true force. It’s a missed opportunity, especially in a franchise known for memorable and often menacing villains. Additionally, a few scenes suffer from some noticeably choppy editing. The John Wick films have set a high standard with their fluid, clean-cut action sequences that allow the audience to feel every hit and movement. Ballerina, at times, loses that rhythm—certain sequences feel overly cut or rushed, which undercuts the impact of otherwise strong choreography.

Image courtesy of Lionsgate (2025)

While the pacing stumbles in a few quieter moments, and some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, Ballerina still succeeds at what it sets out to do: expand the John Wick universe through a new lens while delivering edge-of-your-seat action. And yes, there are a few surprises best left unspoiled that will delight longtime fans.

Verdict:
Ballerina, while not perfect, stands as one of the best action movies of the year. A solid, savage, and stylish addition to the John Wick mythos that proves Ana de Armas has what it takes to lead this universe into new territory.

RATING:

4 out of 5